. world ski news : Bjørgen and Harvey win opening stage of Tour de Ski - 28 December 2013 - 19:41
CROSS-COUNTRY SKI, TOUR DE SKI. Norway's Marit Bjørgen edged her teammate Astrid Jacobsen by just +1.9 seconds to win the ladies' 3 km prologue in Oberhof, Germany. Sylwia Jaskowiec of Poland recorded her first ever podium result in third place, +7.0 back from Bjørgen's winning time of 6:34.4.
The men's 4.5 km prologue had a similar podium to the ladies' in that the top two places were shared by teammates. In this case it was for Canada with Alex Harvey winning in a time of 9:03.4, just +4.1 seconds ahead of Devon Kershaw. In third was Norway's Chris Jespersen. It was Jespersen's second podium in his last two World Cup starts. He was also third in the 30 km free technique in Davos two weeks ago.
ATHLETE QUOTES
•First victory in Tour de Ski prologue for Marit Bjørgen
•First podium for Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR) this season and also first podium since last year’s Tour de Ski (3rd place in 3 km C in Toblach)
•First ever podium for Sylwia Jaskowiec (POL)
•First podium for Devon Kershaw (CAN) since Falun 2012
•Second podium for Chris Jespersen in his last two World Cup starts
•In both wins of Alex Harvey, Devon Kershaw was on the podium as well
Marit Bjoergen (NOR)
I am happy to be back on the Tour after I missed it last year. It was not so easy to find the right skis today. The conditions were very difficult but is great we could have a competition today. For tomorrow’s sprint I hope to collect as many bonus seconds as possible. Some of the best sprinters are not here so other girls can fight for a good result.
Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR)
After the first round I felt very fast. I am very happy about my result. The body responded very well. It was a good day. I am thankful for a chance to compete here.
Sylwia Jaskowiec (POL)
It is absolutely amazing to be on the podium. It’s my first podium and it feels great to be sitting besides Marit and Astrid. I would like to keep the momentum and carry on good results in other stages.
Alex Harvey (CAN)
I did not open that hard in the first lap but I was some 3 seconds faster than the other guys on the podium and that might be the difference in the finish. I felt very good.
Devon Kershaw (CAN)
I started slower in the first lap and continuously sped up. It’s the best start of the Tour we have ever had. I have to thank to our wax technicians. They did a great job and we had the fastest skis. I feel very much relieved. It’s been a lot if pressure on the results.
Chris Jespersen (NOR)
I think I kept the momentum from pre-Christmas. Today I did not open that hard. I was increasing the speed. I’m very happy for the podium result. For the whole Tour I hope to be fighting for a top 3.
FIScrosscountry.com
28 December 2013 16:11
OFFICIAL RESULTS
Prologue ladies 3.0 km free
1. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) 6:34.4
2. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR) +1.9
3. Sylwia Jaskowiec (POL) +7.0
Prologue men 4.5 km free
1. Alex Harvey (CAN) 9:03.4
2. Devon Kershaw (CAN) +4.1
3. Chris Jespersen (NOR) +10.2
FIS Tour de Ski Overall Standing Ladies
1. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) 6:19.4
2. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR) +6.9
3. Sylwia Jaskowiec (POL) +17.0
FIS Tour de Ski Overall Standing Men
1. Alex Harvey (CAN) 8:48.4
2. Devon Kershaw (CAN) +9.1
3. Chris Jespersen (NOR) +20.2
FIS Tour de Ski Sprint Standing Ladies
1. Marit Bjørgen (NOR) 0:15
2. Astrid Uhrenholdt Jacobsen (NOR) 0:10
3. Sylwia Jaskowiec (POL) 0:05
FIS Tour de Ski Sprint Standing Men
1. Alex Harvey (CAN) 0:15
2. Devon Kershaw (CAN) 0:10
3. Chris Jespersen (NOR) 0:05